Reporting to the Technical Director, with oversight from the Director of Creative Arts, the Technical Theater Assistant provides hands-on scenic and physical theater support for productions in the School's auditoriums. This role supports the Technical Director in creative design, build, and show implementation, while helping maintain a safe, well-run scene shop and mentoring students in technical theater skills. This is a 12-month, non-exempt, variable-hour position averaging approximately 15 hours per week. Hours fluctuate with the production calendar.
Scenic & Physical Theater Support
Lead and support scenic construction, helping move productions from design through build.
Assist with set building, props, painting, and costumes; provide general physical theater support during production and tech periods.
Take on additional responsibilities during build weeks, tech weeks, and performance runs, in coordination with the Technical Director.
Nice to have: comfort supporting basic AV needs and assisting the Technical Director with light hangs and focus calls, working under TD direction rather than independently.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe scene shop, including tools and materials.
Follow strong safety practices in all shop and backstage work.
Student Mentorship
Schedule & Flexibility
Hours average approximately 15 per week and flex with the production calendar — heavier during build and tech weeks, lighter during quieter stretches.
Work with the Technical Director to establish a consistent weekly schedule (e.g., regular build days) while remaining flexible as show demands shift.
Background, Experience, and Skills
Required
Experience in technical theater, scenic construction, or a related stagecraft field.
Comfortable mentoring and supervising high school students in a shop/backstage environment.
Strong safety awareness and ability to maintain an organized workspace.
Collaborative working style and clear communication with the Technical Director and production team.
Ability to safely operate shop tools and lift and move production materials.
Working Conditions
Hours are variable and may include evenings and weekends during build and tech weeks.
Physical requirements include lifting and moving production materials, as well as sustained work on your feet in the shop and backstage.
Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines across multiple productions simultaneously.
To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience through our application portal.
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest and will reach out only to those most closely aligned with the position's needs.
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this position.
We look forward to hearing from you!
About us:
Menlo School is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory school for students in grades six through twelve. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley and founded in 1915, the School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National and California Associations of Independent Schools.
Menlo is dedicated to providing a joyful, transformative education that empowers students to explore broadly, think critically, act responsibly, and navigate the complexities of an evolving world. Our relevant and engaging academic program—complemented by outstanding arts and athletics—sparks wonder, fosters a love of learning, and inspires students to reach their full potential as they grow in competence, confidence, and curiosity. Student care and the supportive relationships students build with teachers, coaches, and peers are at the heart of all we do as we uphold the highest ethical standards, develop character, and pursue a shared commitment to purposes larger than ourselves.
At Menlo, belonging is essential to who we are as a school. We embrace the growth and well-being of every member of our community by cultivating a culture rooted in kindness, trust, and belonging—one where everyone feels welcomed, included, and valued, and where our diverse backgrounds, identities, and ideas are honored with curiosity, care, and compassion.
Learn more about the Menlo School here.
Our equal opportunity employment policy:
Menlo School is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants. We administer all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or domestic partnership status, disability, protected veteran status or military status, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law.
Pay range:
In the spirit of pay transparency, we share the base salary range for this position. The full pay range, which encompasses all experience levels, is $30 to $45 per hour. Within this broad range, we pay each employee in accordance with what is reasonably expected given an individual's experience level. Base salary is exclusive of fringe benefits, employer contributions to retirement plans, and potential stipends (for eligible employees). Pay ranges at Menlo are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role, but are not guaranteed. If hired at Menlo School, your final base salary will be determined by factors such as skills, education, experience, job level, part-time status, and the number of months worked per academic year. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity with our current employees as a part of any final offer. Please note that the generous range mentioned above is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at the top of the range is not typical at Menlo School to allow for future and continued salary growth.
Notice to recruitment agencies and third‑party recruiters: Menlo School does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from external recruiters or recruitment agencies. Any resumes submitted without a prior signed written agreement in place with Human Resources will be deemed the property of the School, and no fees will be paid.
JOB ID: 396
